New to the Galaxy

[LoudDragon]

Hi I'm James, and this will be the first time ever trying to put together stormtrooper armor. at first I had my eyes on some eBay listings, and even items from Stormtrooper store, but after reading the beginners guide on this page, I've started to revaluate these decisions. I am looking for a Stormtrooper kit thats as close to ANH as possible, but I do want to spend the least amount of money possible considering how much this can cost.

 

(just for Reference, my hard limit would be 1000$ total for everything.)

 

I have reached out to Authentic Props if he is currently still selling kits, but I still need to find the under garments for the armor and E-11 Blaster. If anyone knows of a good place to find these for a good price I would be very grateful.

[gmrhodes13[Staff]]

Hello and welcome aboard, research is the key to this hobby and good to see your on your way, don't be afraid to ask questions, there are no silly questions only silly mistakes from not asking and measure twice and cut once 

 

A great thread full of helpful info:

Good luck and hope to see a build thread from you soon 

 

[Sly11[Admin]]

Welcome to FISD James.

 

We are here to assist in every way we can.

We have plenty of staff and members with a wealth of knowledge ready to help, so please ask plenty of questions and do look at the links Glen has supplied.

[Doggydoc[Staff]]

9 hours ago, LoudDragon said:

I have reached out to Authentic Props if he is currently still selling kits, but I still need to find the under garments for the armor and E-11 Blaster. If anyone knows of a good place to find these for a good price I would be very grateful.

Welcome James. 
 

I know that AP is still making and selling kits.  I bought one about 2 1/2 years ago and have been very happy with it.

As far as the undersuit, most just wear under armor type compression suits. I bought a few from Amazon that also work well.  The printing on the waist band hides under the armour, so you can’t see it when kitted up. These ones don’t bleed purple onto the armour as I have found some cheaper ones do.  
https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B0C72KGQ8G?ref_=ppx_hzsearch_conn_dt_b_fed_asin_title_3&th=1&psc=1
https://www.amazon.ca/gp/product/B08LVRPP94/ref=ppx_od_dt_b_asin_title_s00?ie=UTF8&th=1&psc=1

 

For the E-11, I personally printed my own. If you have access to a 3D printer, this is the most cost effective option.  
These files are probably the most accurate I have seen

 

https://www.printables.com/model/162480-sterling-smg-mk4-l2a3-and-anh-e-11-conversion

 

Alternatively, you could buy 3D printed kits or fully assembled blasters but the cost will start to climb. 
 

For the neck seal, You could make your own if you are handy with a sewing machine.  Here is the process I used. 
 

 

For ready made neck seals, @Soulart here on the forums makes great soft parts. 
 

Boots would most likely come from keep trooping or crow props. Both do a great job.

 

Hope this helps you get started. Looking forward to seeing your build. 

[LoudDragon]

So I have picked up some boots, and they look very similar to this here-

 

I have picked up some spray paint and primer to properly color it white and black, but how important is it that there is a zipper on the side? I do hope that the calf armor will cover at least the top part of the zipper, but I know how star wars doesn't have zippers, buttons, belts or much of what we conventionally use. as for under garments, the ones I have picked up, (just from Walmart) is a little baggy for me, should I go a size smaller? try to adjust it myself?

 

 

If there is also a list of armor standards I would very much like to go over it.

[gmrhodes13[Staff]]

Unfortunately no zipper, need elastic on both sides, no seams as well.

 

From the CRL:

Boots
Boots are above ankle height and made of white leather or leather-like material.
Small U-shaped elastic sections on both sides of the ankle.
Flat sole with a short heel.
No buckles or laces.
Jodhpur/ Chelsea-type boots or an equivalent style is acceptable.
Elvis or Mariachi boots are not allowed.

 

Here are screen used boots

More references here

 

Make sure they are quite high on the ankle, many makes of boots are very low and will come out of your shins when walking, they need a high neck

[starsaber25[Admin]]

Hi James and welcome to the FISD!  We are very happy to hear that you found our getting started section before buying items from the places you mentioned first.  If you have interest in joining the 501st then unfortunately you would have had a super uphill battle ahead of your with stormtrooperstore.  Anyway, AP is a great choice for armor.  The other options you can look into if you are US based is Imperial Surplus who sells MTK armor at an attractive price as well as you can look into Walts Trooper Factory.  There are tons of build threads on our forum for you to browse and utilize to help you with your build.  Also, check out Youtube as well.  Good luck with your build! 

[Shanester[TK]]

Welcome aboard James!

[TK27022[TK]]

Hi James!!!

 

Welcome to the FISD! You are in the perfect place (everybody here is mega helpful).

 

I live in Spain but I know a small company making kits right now or anything that you may need. Readytotroop and Teekasworkshop (sorry they only have instagram).

 

https://readytotroop.com/en/

 

and for the boots:

 

https://www.instagram.com/teekaworkshop/

 

Hopefully they can help you our at least you can compare prices and qualities.

 

Welcome!

 

Jason TK 27022

[swibowoj[TK]]

Hello and welcome to FISD. 

Looking forward you build thread

[JBar[TK]]

Welcome and I want to say one thing about budgeting. This isn't to scare you away. I would love to see another TK added to the ranks. However I've been in a spot where I've also been on a super tight budget. The thing I've learned is always add 50% to any budget in this hobby. So if you're planning out a costume that's 1k, it'll realistically be 1.5k. There's always extra costs you can't account for. So even if it takes a few more months I'd spend that time saving up. Even 1k for a full TK is pretty tight. I thought mine would be $1,200 and it ended up being $1600 once all was said and done. Hope this helps in budgeting and please ask any questions you have. Good luck!

[LoudDragon]

Thank you for all your input! I'll definitely keep all this in mind, but for now I will be focusing on getting my armor first, and by the time I finish I should be able to get everything else in order.

[LoudDragon]

Just a few questions to end this off, how many people here have purchased from AuthenticProps for armor kits, your experience with them, or know his contact information?

[Doggydoc[Staff]]

7 hours ago, LoudDragon said:

Just a few questions to end this off, how many people here have purchased from AuthenticProps for armor kits, your experience with them, or know his contact information?

My kit is from AP and I have been very happy with it.  Mark has been great with service and does a great job.  There are several garrison members that also have used him and they have had no issues. 
One thing that you may need to be cautious with is that the kit would be coming from Canada, so beware that there may be some hefty tariffs put on it as it crosses the border. I know that anything we are bringing in from the US now is getting dinged for an additional 25%

[gmrhodes13[Staff]]

I have put two AP kits together, I find they fit the thinner frame but also some with a little girth. Definitely don't get pre trimmed and they can then be a little small in places.

 

I wouldn't hesitate putting another AP together 

[JBar[TK]]

My friend has an AP kit. He's tall and it looks and fits great on him